What happens when a talented winemaking team blend 48% syrah, 29% cabernet sauvignon, 6% malbec, 6% cabernet franc, 6% merlot and 4% petit verdot? A whole heap of joy, that’s what. With plum, boysenberry, a lift of chocolate and salted caramel, this wine is beautifully complex and juicy and dusted with pepper, it’s a stylish … Read More
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Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir 2015 $42.50
Sometimes people describe pinot noir as being ‘feminine’ and I think the Peregrine could absolutely be that. Feminine insomuch as she’s tall, tanned, has long, sand-dusted hair, listens to Iron Butterfly and refuses to wear a bra-type of woman. A fabulously feral female is what this wine is. Exotic aromatics of spice, pot pourri, pomegranate … Read More
Sacred Hill Helmsman Cabernet Merlot Franc 2015 $80 (5 stars)
My first taste of this wine was a few years before the millennium and back then I was told the name represented something that led the way that stood ahead of the pack and steered you in the right direction. This new vintage lives up to its reputation for focus and drive. A Helmsman is … Read More
Whistling Buoy
I’ve sipped my way through the new Whistling Buoy releases from Canterbury and they’re rather snazzy… Whistling Buoy Kokolo Vineyard Canterbury Pinot Noir 2016 $36 (5 stars) Wow. Here’s one ultra-juicy, exotically-scented, super-charged pinot noir from under the southern sun. Kokolo is a vineyard on a sheltered site at the head of Lyttleton and clearly … Read More
Lake Hayes Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 $29.95
This is a snazzy southern pinot packed with cherry, baking spices, raspberry and tamarillo characters that batta bing with bold tannins to create a deliciously chewy texture and a long, fruit-soaked finish. Sip with: roast venison and pickled blueberries. www.blackmarket.co.nz
Giesen Single Vineyard Selection Ridge Block Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014 $62 (4.5 stars)
This is a sleeping giant of a wine, newly released and stirring slowly. I love the ruby colour and aromas of blackberry bush, rosehip tea, wild cherry and cocoa. To drink, it’s gently unfurling, revealing forest floor and leafy lushness. Crushed red currants, violets and baking spices on the palate lead to vibrant, agile tannins … Read More
Giesen Single Vineyard Selection Clayvin Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013 $56.99 (5 stars)
Fact. Clayvin is the most famous pinot noir vineyard in the country and it’s now lovingly looked after by Marcel Giesen. Perfumed with red rose, fresh-cut tamarillo, red cherry, wild-grown herbs and a hint of pepper, this is sultry elegance personified. The feeling I get tasting this wine is very similar to how I feel … Read More
Ash Ridge Premium Cabernet Merlot 2016 $31 (4 stars)
From what’s fast becoming known as a very elegant vintage in Hawke’s Bay, comes a cabernet dominant blend that reflects the iron-rich, red gravels of the Bridge Pa triangle beautifully. Made by the super-talented Lauren Swift, this bold, spicy blend has hefty red fruited aromatics, hints of smoke and soy and boasts a long, stylishly … Read More
Ernesto Catena Animal Natural Vineyards Mendoza Malbec 2013 $43.00
I was seduced by the rich, sweet choco-espresso note on the nose and the lift of dried herb and earthy, succulence in this little bit of magic from Mendoza. It’s deliciously balanced and juicy and I love the layers of liquorice, wild pork and pepper and I also just love love love the label! It … Read More
Linden Estate Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2014 $50.00
In 2010 Trevor Shepherd talked his way into a job at Linden, where for four years he toiled (unpaid mostly) to restore the vines and get the decrepit, but legendary winery back up to scratch. It’s clearly worked. There’s a bold, fleshy plum and cocoa character to this wine, complete with grippy tannins, smoky warmth … Read More